Myths busted: “Flood tax” and flood defence schemes

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Myth - Weekend media have suggested that dozens of flood defence schemes will be cut following the Spending Review, and that Defra is planning to introduce a ‘flood tax’ on communities at risk of flooding to pay for defences.

The Truth - There are no plans to introduce a ‘flood tax’ for people whose homes and businesses are at risk of flooding. However, it’s important that the people who benefit most from flood defences are more involved in their development to ensure that they provide the necessary protection in the most cost efficient way.

All flood defences already under construction will be completed, and all funding proposals for future schemes will continue to be considered as part of normal business. None have been scrapped. The allocation of annual budgets have yet to be finalised so it is not possible to discuss individual projects at this time.